Countryside Welcomes New Farmers to Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Keleman Family Joins the Countryside Initiative Program
Brecksville, OH - Cuyahoga Valley National Park (CVNP) and Countryside welcome Keleman Point Farm as one of the 10 operating farms in the Countryside Initiative program. On July 1, Mike and Melissa Keleman finalized their lease transfer from retiring farmers Terry and Cindy Smith of Goatfeathers Point Farm. Mike and Melissa come with a background in agriculture and animal husbandry and are committed to continuing the legacy of farming sustainably in Cuyahoga Valley.
Countryside and CVNP launched the Countryside Initiative program in 1999 to preserve and protect the valley’s rural landscape. In this unique program, CVNP and Countryside have identified old farmsteads still suitable for agricultural use and rehabilitated them. After a highly competitive application process, selected farmers are awarded a long-term lease. Prospective farmers must powerfully articulate their plan to manage the farm through the entire term of the lease. The farms are expected to be managed with sustainable farming practices, and the farmers are required to welcome park visitors. This innovative land use program has achieved international attention and is sought as a model for public/private sustainable land use. The Countryside Initiative farms bring over 100,000 people into CVNP each year and have an economic impact of millions of dollars.
The Kelemans are no strangers to farming, with backgrounds in both agriculture and animal husbandry and a sincere commitment to sustainability. Their livestock are naturally raised using rotational grazing to maintain healthy animals and preserve soil, helping to reverse desertification of the planet. Modeling their farm after Allan Savory’s idea of planned grazing to mimic nature, their farming techniques ensure that the soil absorbs and holds rain to store carbon and break down methane. Like the Smiths, the Kelemans are raising goats, chickens and Heritage Breed Turkeys for Thanksgiving. In addition, they have opened a farm stand, selling their chicken eggs and products sourced from other farms in the area. Next year they plan to grow a pick-your-own pumpkin and sunflower field, and to offer activities for visitors to enjoy the farm.
For more information, visit https://countrysidefoodandfarms.org/countryside-initiative
About Countryside
Countryside’s mission is to connect people, food and land by promoting a resilient, sustainable food culture through programs, advocacy and education. They are a leading expert and innovator in conservation farming and community-based food programs, working in partnership with Cuyahoga Valley National Park, its farms, community stakeholders, and food entrepreneurs. For more information, visit https://countrysidefoodandfarms.org/.
About Cuyahoga Valley National Park (CVNP)
CVNP encompasses 33,000 acres along the Cuyahoga River between Cleveland and Akron, Ohio. Managed by the National Park Service, CVNP combines cultural, historical, recreational, and natural resources in one setting. For more information, visit the park’s website or Facebook page, or call 440-717-3890.
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Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
